In Pakistan, all consulate related and Visa related works of Austria are managed in Pakistan by the Embassy of Austria which is located in Islamabad. Applications for visit visas (Type C) and Permanent Residency visa (Type D) are processed by the official mediums of the embassy and through the VFS Global Visa Application Centers.
Appointments should always be booked online through the official VFS booking system. The embassy does not allow physically submitted requests and does not authorize agents or middlemen. Applicants are strongly advised to avoid scams or misleading information and always rely on the official Austrian Foreign Ministry (BMIA) website OR VFS global website.
1. Embassy of Austria – Islamabad
Address: House No. 7A, Street 21, Sector F-8/2, Islamabad.
Telephone: +92 (51) 8770 700
Fax: +92 (51) 8350 992
Email (general inquiries): [email protected]
Email ( for visa processing): [email protected]
Office Hours (by confirmed appointment only):
- Monday to Thursday: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Note: The Embassy operates strictly on prior appointments. Consular staff do not entertain walk-in visitors. Emergency consular assistance for Austrian nationals is available through the duty number provided on the Embassy’s official website.
2. VFS Global Visa Application Centres (VACs)
All Austrian visa applicants in Pakistan must submit their documents and provide biometrics at one of the authorized VFS Global centres:
- Islamabad VAC
Address: Park Road, Chattha Bakhtawar, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad
(Located near Punjab Cash & Carry) - Karachi VAC
Address: 1st Floor, Bahria Complex IV, Gizri Road, Karachi - Lahore VAC
Address: 20 Ex-American Centre Building, Shahrah-e-Fatima Jinnah, Lahore
Business Hours: Monday to Friday (submission and collection timings vary; always confirm on the VFS website before visiting).
3. Visa Fees (Schengen – Austria)
- Short-stay Schengen Visa (Type C, adult applicants): €90
- Children aged 6–12 years: €45
- Children under 6 years: Free
- VFS Global service charge: additional fee in PKR (amount displayed during online appointment booking)
All payments at VFS centres are made in Pakistani currency at the applicable exchange rate set by the Embassy at the time of application submission.
4. How to Apply for an Austrian Visa
- Go to the VFS Global Austria – Pakistan website and select your visa category.
- Complete the application form online, then print it out.
- Book your appointment from the VFS online system and always bring your appointment confirmation with you.
- Attend your selected Visa Application Centre with the required documents, pay the fee, and provide your biometrics.
- VFS forwards your application to the Austrian Embassy in Islamabad for decision.
- If necessary, the Embassy will call you for an additional interview.
- Once a decision is made, VFS will notify you for passport collection or delivery through courier service.
5. Documents Generally Required
- Completed filled visa application form with appointment confirmation slip
- Valid passport with photocopies
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Proof of travel health insurance
- Evidence of accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation)
- Proof of flight reservation or travel plan
- Proof of financial means (bank statements etc)
- Visa fee plus VFS service charges (paid proof)
- Additional documents depending on the visa type
6. Important Notes and Tips
- Austria does not operate separate consulates in Pakistan for visa matters; all cases are handled through the Embassy in Islamabad.
- Only use the official Embassy website and VFS Global portal to avoid being misled by fraudulent agents.
- For long-term visas and residence permits, applicants must follow the specific instructions published by the Embassy, which may include direct email submission.
- Austria also has Honorary Consuls in Karachi and Lahore who can assist with limited consular matters, but all visa decisions are made in Islamabad.
- Apply early, as appointments may be limited and processing times vary depending on the visa category.
Final Word
The Austrian Embassy in Islamabad is the sole authority for Austria’s consular and visa matters in Pakistan. With the help of VFS Global centres in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, the Embassy manages Schengen visa applications and long-stay cases. By following the official process, preparing documents carefully, and booking appointments online through VFS, applicants can ensure a smooth and transparent visa application experience.
